CMS board faces noise concerns from Strahan residents over new school plans

Concerns over noise pollution and community engagement took center stage at the Canutillo Independent School District (CISD) Regular Board Meeting on January 29, 2024. Parent Oscar Drielle voiced strong opposition to demands from some neighbors in the Strahan area for soundproof barriers around the new school site, emphasizing that the noise issues stem from the nearby freeway, not school activities. "As a taxpayer, I'll be very disappointed with this board if we bend our needs to the wants and comfort of a few," Drielle stated, advocating for the broader interests of the district.

Drielle also urged the board to consider the future of the former Davenport Elementary site, highlighting the importance of continuing summer lunch programs for students who rely on school meals. "We can't forget the kids who would walk to school to get their food in the summers," he stressed, calling for equitable access to resources for all students, regardless of their neighborhood.

John Holland, president of the Strahan Neighborhood Association, expressed gratitude for the board's responsiveness to community feedback regarding traffic concerns related to the new school. He requested that the board keep the neighborhood informed about future developments on the remaining land at the Johnny Dean horse farm, advocating against commercial developments that could disrupt the area's tranquility.

The meeting also featured support from Leticia Marshall, president of the El Paso Building Trades, who endorsed the adoption of the 2024 Paso County wage standards, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in local construction projects.

As the board navigates these discussions, the balance between community needs and educational development remains a critical focus, with implications for future planning and resource allocation in the district.